How to Find the Perfect College for Yourself?

Author: Sally Croft

After completing high school, students face the task of choosing the best college for themselves. This can be a daunting task for some students as the college they choose is hinged on various factors only some of which they may have control over. As a result, the college they choose is not predicated just on their educational achievement and hence they must weigh all their options to see which college best suites their learning, financial and social ability. Here we explore some tips on choosing which college is best for you.

Program Analysis

All colleges must advertise the list of programs they offer. Obviously, you must short those that offer educational programs that are in your field of interest. After you have narrowed down your list, then compare colleges on this short list and determine what makes them different from each other. Look at how long each college require to complete their courses, if the offer online versions and accelerated programs and what are the requirements to be admitted.

Location

Location is a big setback for many students seeking college education. Often students must relocate to attend their preferred college. This is an expensive proposition as it includes additional expenses such as food, lodging and general upkeep. If you are unable to relocate, then you must choose a college that is within the proximity of your current location or opt for one that offers the same high quality education online through distance educational programs.

Family

This mainly applies to college aspirants who have already established a family. Attending college will have some adverse effect on your family. If it involves relocation, one has to consider relocating their family as well or endure the sacrifice of leaving them behind. In addition, you must consider the additional economic burden attending college will bring on your family. Higher is not cheap, so you must be prepared for the additional budgetary rearrangements. Finally, attending college significantly restrict your family time, as significant investment of study time is required to attain success.

Cost

Some colleges are more expensive than others are. This is based on the level of education they offer or on social stigma and profile. College applicants must scrutinize all expenses associated with their college education before even making an application. It would be a waste of time and money to enroll in a college that you know from the onset that you will not be able to afford.

Size

If you think you require more personalized education, then opt for smaller universities with better teacher to student ratio. This can significantly help your learning process, as each student will get more time with his or her teachers. Smaller colleges also have a closer knit student community that will be more willing to support each other’s educational goals.

Extracurricular Activity

Many students are surprised by the emphasis placed on extracurricular activity by employers. Many employers use the type of extracurricular activity done by students during their college years as a tool to help establish their personality. In addition, some colleges offer scholarships through various extracurricular activities such as sports, music or environmental awareness. Students should investigate the type of extracurricular activity offered by each college to choose those conducive to your liking.

Tags: Colleges, Financial Burden, scholarships, universities
Posted in ALL About Students, College Expense, Scholarship | 5 Comments »

Nov

College Financial Aid Myths - Don’t believe everything you hear!

Author: Sally Croft

College funding and the related finance options seem to be constantly misinterpreted or confused. The serious trouble is when you forgo the best of opportunities due to these misinterpretations. We have efforts to tabulate the myths and facts about the various issues that often come up.

College Financial Aid Myths – Don’t Believe Them!!

S.No	College Financial Aid Myths	College Financial Aid Facts
1	College Education is Expensive	The statement tends to set aside college education only for a preferred class. While the fact is that it is far more affordable than what it is portrayed. If you take into account the annual tuition cost of a graduate program in a public college, it is well within $7,000. While it is a fact that expensive colleges do exist, good education has no relation to the price.
2	Stay at Home to Cut Cost	This is not true. Commuting from home involves expenses such as traveling, parking and it also steals your study and working time. Instead if you are put up in the college you can look for college based jobs for earning and set aside time for study as well.
3	I do not have good grades, I cannot qualify for financial aid	While maintaining good grades is a prerequisite for merit based financial aid programs, not all aid programs are merit based. Lot many of federal scholarship and loan programs are need based ,where scores and grades are hardly considered
4	Financial Aid is not available sufficiently	Financial aids are available in the form of scholarships grants and loans. Most of the students benefit from some form of aid. Close $143 billion are available for financial aid to students. The students should be aware of the most beneficial financial package that will help them make use of the financial aid programs offered
5	I cannot concentrate on my studies if I work	The fact is that those students who work moderately show better academic progress and achievement than those who overdo and those who never work
6	Never consider private colleges	The notion is that private colleges charge exorbitant fee towards the cost of education and it is impossible to afford such huge cost. Remember , it is only with these college will you find the best of financial aid programs especially to attract students, considering the high cost of education
7	I have money saved for my college, I cannot think of financial aid	It is never wrong to save money. It is rather better as it helps you finish your student loans faster. While granting a financial aid option, what is considered is the income of the parents and not their assets.
8	Applying for a loan option means, one should definitely avail it	Making a loan application does not force you to take it. In fact, experts in financial aid solutions expect you to get quotes from various lenders and compare them before choosing one of them.
9	If I join college, my parents have to sell their house in order to pay for it	This statement is completely false. While home equity may be considered while deciding institutional grants, nobody will want you sell the house, as it is the income factor which plays a stronger role than assets
10	Financial Aid Deal can be Negotiated	If you are under the impression that every financial deal can be negotiated stating your family circumstance, then I am sorry not all institutions will be willing to change their rules and regulations for the sake of you.

Tags: College Expenses, College Funding, financial aid, grants, scholarships, student loan
Posted in College Expense, Financial Advice | 4 Comments »

Oct

Financial Aid Policies - Top 8 Questions Students Should Ask!

Author: Sally Croft

Friends! I am sure you must have had seriously a tough time running around colleges, admission procedure and more importantly their financial aid policies. Every piece of information matters. Who knows what will change your decision about which college to choose. I would always say that it is better to spend time in taking the right decision instead of falling prey to the debt trap!